Using Colons
Using Colons
Use a colon to join two sentences when the second summarizes, explains, or illustrates the first. As with a semicolon, do not capitalize the first word of the second clause unless it would normally be capitalized.
Dan has one driving force: he loves motorcycles.
A colon can also follow a complete sentence to introduce a word or phrase that summarizes, explains, or illustrates it.
He has one thought: motorcycles.
You can use a colon to introduce a list as long as the material before the colon forms a complete sentence.
Dan loves them all: dirt bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, scooters, and touring bikes.
Do not place a colon between a verb and its objects or a preposition and its objects.
Incorrect: Every day, Dan read: motorcycle magazines.
Correct: Every day, Dan read motorcycle magazines.
You can also use a colon to introduce a bulleted or numbered list as long as the material before the colon forms a complete sentence.
Dan has a plan to get his own motorcycle:
- Work to save up money.
- Buy an old motorcycle that needs repair.
- Fix the motorcycle part by part.
- Ride it until it is finished.
- Sell it to buy a new motorcycle.
Use a colon after a complete sentence that introduces a quotation.
Dan has a favorite saying: "When I'm riding, I'm living."
Use a colon after a salutation in a business letter.
Dear Motorcycle Enthusiast Editor:
Use a colon after a heading in a memo.
To: Motorcycle Enthusiast Editor
From: Dan McMann
Subject: Affordable Used Motorcycles
Use a colon to separate hours from minutes and minutes from seconds.
Dan started laps at 1:43 p.m. His time for 10 laps was 2:35.
Fix colon errors.
Correct colon errors in the items below. Make a copy of this Google doc.
- In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach made the first motorcycle the Daimler Reitwagen.
(Answers will vary.) In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach made the first motorcycle: the Daimler Reitwagen.
- In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller created a revolution the first series production motorcycle.
(Answers will vary.) In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller created a revolution: the first series production motorcycle.
- Modern motorcycles come in three varieties street, off-road, and dual purpose.
(Answers will vary.) Modern motorcycle come in three varieties: street, off-road, and dual purpose.
- Street bikes include: cruisers, sport bikes, mopeds, and scooters.
(Answers will vary.) Street bikes include cruisers, sport bikes, mopeds, and scooters.
- Historically, motorcycles have run on: gasoline, steam, diesel, and electric.
(Answers will vary.) Historically, motorcycles have run on gasoline, steam, diesel, and electric.
- During World War I, motorcycles replaced horses for key military jobs relaying messages, doing reconnaissance, and policing troops.
(Answers will vary.) During World War I, motorcycles replaced horses for key military jobs: relaying messages, doing reconnaissance, and policing troops.
- The 1915 "Trusty Triumph" Model H had many features of modern motorcycles a 550 cc side-valve four-stroke engine, a three-speed gearbox, and belt transmission.
(Answers will vary.) The 1915 "Trusty Triumph" Model H had many features of modern motorcycles: a 550 cc side-valve four-stroke engine, a three-speed gearbox, and belt transmission.
- By 1920, Harley Davidson had become the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer dealers in 67 countries sold Harleys.
(Answers will vary.) By 1920, Harley Davidson had become the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer: dealers in 67 countries sold Harleys.
- In the 21st century, most motorcycles are made in three countries India, Japan, and China.
(Answers will vary.) In the 21st century, most motorcycles are made in three countries: India, Japan, and China.
- In popular culture, motorcycles have come to represent: freedom, rugged individualism, and style.
(Answers will vary.) In popular culture, motorcycles have come to represent freedom, rugged individualism, and style.
Edit for colons.
Edit the following memo to add missing colons and fix colon errors. Make a copy of this Google doc.
Date 03:24:2022
To Student Council
From Owen Smith
Subject Opening the Courtyard at Lunch
The school courtyard provides a green space, giving all center classrooms: something pleasant to look at. However, due to the actions of a few rowdy students, the courtyard has been: off-limits to students during lunches.
I propose that the courtyard should be reopened each school day from 1115 a.m. to 115 p.m. because:
Students need space to get air and sunlight as the weather warms.
Teachers and students could both benefit from the green space.
The students who caused the problems before have been punished for their actions.
I have attached: a petition to reopen the courtyard, signed by: 105 students and 33 teachers. They expressed many reasons to support reopening, but most boiled down to a single issue health.
(Answers will vary.)
Date: 03/24/2022
To: Student Council
From: Owen Smith
Subject: Opening the Courtyard at Lunch
The school courtyard provides a green space, giving all center classrooms something pleasant to look at. However, due to the actions of a few rowdy students, the courtyard has been off-limits to students during lunches.
I propose that the courtyard should be reopened each school day from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for three reasons:
* Students need space to get air and sunlight as the weather warms.
* Teachers and students could both benefit from the green space.
* The students who caused the problems before have been punished for their actions.
I have attached a petition to reopen the courtyard, signed by 105 students and 33 teachers. They expressed many reasons to support reopening, but most boiled down to a single issue: health.